| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Competition |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 30/05/2018 |
| Content Type | Overview |
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Summary: The merger between cable TV operators Ziggo and Global Liberty was notified to the European Commission in March 2014 and approved in October 2014, subject to conditions. This was subsequently made invalid by the Court of Justice of the European Union in October for procedural reasons. Following a new investigation, the European Commission confirmed on 30 May 2018 its approval of the acquisition of Dutch company Ziggo by Liberty Global, subject to conditions. Further information: In 2014 the Commission had concerns that the merger would have hindered competition by removing two close competitors and important competitive forces in the Dutch market for the wholesale of premium Pay TV film channels. In order to maintain effective competition for the wholesale of premium Pay TV film channels in the Netherlands, Liberty Global committed to divest its Film1 channel to a third party purchaser. The channel was divested to Sony. In its new assessment, the Commission confirmed its concerns that the merger, as initially notified, would have increased Liberty Global's negotiating power vis-à-vis TV channel broadcasters, hindering innovation in the delivery of audio visual content over the internet (the so-called over-the-top or 'OTT' services). The renewed approval was therefore again conditional upon the implementation of a commitments package. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/case_details.cfm?proc_code=2_M_7000 |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe, Netherlands |
